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Farming chiefs announce fundraising cycle challenge for Farm Africa

26 February 2014

The National Farmers Union’s (NFU) outgoing President, Peter Kendall, has announced he will be taking on a major cycle challenge this summer to raise funds for Farm Africa and three other farming charities: RABI, The Addington Fund and The Farming Communities Network.

Peter Kendall, who served as President of the NFU for 8 years before stepping down at this year’s NFU Conference, will be joined for the ride by his friend and neighbour Richard Whitlock who will act as Oxford Farming Conference Chairman in 2015.

Starting in the Lake District on June 16, the pair will cycle 1019 miles in just 11 days, taking in all corners of England and Wales on the way.

Before setting off, the farming bosses will be seeking donations from across the UK’s food and farming communities, with all money raised to benefit Farm Africa, RABI, The Addington Fund and The Farm Charities Network.

Welcoming the announcement of the cycle challenge, Farm Africa’s Chief Executive Nigel Harris said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Peter has chosen to mark his time at the NFU with this Cycle Challenge. His challenge is emblematic of the incredible support that UK farmers continue to give through us to their fellow farmers in eastern Africa. Such support is all the more impressive given the severe challenges faced by UK farmers right now. On behalf of all the communities we work for in eastern Africa, I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Peter and Richard for so generously supporting Farm Africa, and to wish them every success for the ride itself.”

The NFU has provided huge fundraising support for Farm Africa during Peter Kendall’s term as President:

  • In 2008, to mark its centenary, the NFU launched its Africa 100 Appeal. The initiative raised over £200,000 to help Farm Africa resuscitate cassava farming in Western Kenya following a devastating outbreak of a crop disease which devastated the popular staple in the area.
  • In 2012 an NFU team successfully scaled Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise £40,000 for arm Africa.
  • And in 2013 the NFU’s Director of Policy and Communications, Martin Haworth, raised further funds for Farm Africa by cycling the 100 miles Ride London course.

Please make a donation to encourage Peter and Richard as they get in training for this summer's Farm Cycle Challenge.

Find out how you can get involved in raising funds for Farm Africa.

 

 

 

 

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